7.26.2015

Ok, this post has been in the making for a VERY long time. I get asked almost daily (sometimes multiple times a day) for a list of modest wardrobe staples. This is kind of hard to make a "set list," since we all have different tastes and styles, but I tried to keep this list to classic and must-have items as much as possible.

This is not a capsule wardrobe, I can't only have a certain amount of items in my closet. So, instead this is a Modest REMIXABLE Wardrobe Staples list. I've shared with you many times that I only buy items that I can remix with many other pieces to create multitudes of outfits with my classic remixable pieces. I really don't think I own THAT many clothes, maybe I do compared to ladies who don't like shopping..but I think I have a pretty average sized closet, but I haven't repeated an outfit in I don't know how many years. That's not to brag or boast, it's just to show you that you can do the same if you build your wardrobe with remixable pieces that are able to be re-used in numerous outfits!

This list is not limited to the style pictured, for example if you prefer full midi skirts vs. pencil skirts, that is up to you! I personally prefer pencil skirts, since they are classic, flattering, and professional.

7.20.2015

Today is the last week of our Modest Maven Monday series! I've really enjoyed it, and I will be thinking of more ways to incorporate my fellow ModMod ladies in more posts! Today's lady is one of my FAVORITE fashionistas! Lauren is SO stylish and resourceful with her wardrobe! I wish I could dress half as good as she does!

Hi ModMod ladies! I’m Lauren Shaffer, and I’m really excited (honored) to be the ModMod Maven this week. I was added by my beautiful friend, Rachel Stene two years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this inspiring page! I’ve always loved fashion, but I believe ModMod has really helped me to improve my style! I’m inspired daily by all of you, so thank you!

I grew up in a military family, moving every 2 years and traveling the world. I’m the oldest of 5, and thankfully grew up in a Christian home, where being in God’s House was a priority. I was saved at the age of 16, after making several false professions as a young child. It wasn’t until I was 16 that the Lord really showed my MY sin, and how awful MY wickedness was before a holy and righteous God. I was sick and tired of my sin, and truly wanted the Lord to have control of my life. I went forward one Sunday in October, wanting the Lord and none of me, I repented of my sins and turned to Christ in faith that He would save me and He did! I’m so thankful to say that I truly am a “new creature in Christ, all things have passed away and all things have become new!” Praise the Lord for his goodness!!

I met my amazing husband when my family moved to North Dakota. I noticed him right away, but I never played the game of “trying to get the guy.” We became friends and instantly recognized that we had a lot in common. I moved away to Europe, but the Lord had bigger and better plans. He moved me back to ND and really orchestrated everything in my husband and I getting married. I feel like our story could be a beautiful romantic novel, but I won’t go there right now. Suffice it to say, I’m crazy about my husband aka Mr. Incredible – he still gives me butterflies, brings so much joy to my life, and treats me better than I deserve! I married the perfect man for me and couldn’t be happier!!!! These past 9 years and 2 sweet boys later have been beyond my wildest dreams. Ladies, wait for God’s Mr. Right – he WILL be more than you ever could’ve imagined for yourself!

I’m a SAHM and wife and LOVE it, but I also am a photographer. I love being creative and expressing myself through photography. It’s my passion and I love it, getting paid for it is just a bonus!! My favorite subjects are my sweet sons – Landon and Trevyn (they’re 2 & 3 so they keep me on my toes!)

Picking a favorite outfit is like picking a favorite child – can’t do it! So, I just went with one of my many favs.

I tend to be pretty chatty so I’m trying to keep this as concise as possible…a few fashion tips?

1. Ok, so let’s talk about your hair. It if doesn’t look good, it won’t matter how cute your outfit is! I learned a long time ago that investing in a good stylist and products is a must! It’s AMAZING how blah you can feel when your hair isn’t at its best. You don’t have to have “great” hair to look good, just getting regular trims can make a HUGE difference. I pay more for my cut/color but I have found that I’m able to go longer between salon visits….and yes, I literally feel like hugging my stylist when I see her! A good haircut can make you feel like a million bucks (not that I know what that feels like, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same feeling that I feel when I step out of my salon with new hair)

2. Mix up your own wardrobe to create countless new outfits! You’ll be surprised at what will often look fabulous together! This is a great way to modernize pieces that could look less than fabulous otherwise. Sometimes the best way to make a piece shine, is to mix it up with other great pieces.

3. A helpful tip that I’ve found is to take photos of my outfits and keep them in an album on my phone (or a Pinterest board) for a quick reference on what to wear. I don’t know about you, but as a busy mom, my mind is often going in a billion directions. It’s SO easy to forget what you paired with what especially if you mix up your wardrobe a lot. I helped my mom with this as well and she says it has been such a help for her to have a quick go to reference of what she has in her closet!

4. Try Goodwill first, seriously. Money saver! Most of my wardrobe is thrifted, but the key is to thrift good quality clothing. I’ve found amazing name brands at thrift store prices.

5. Your clothes are tools -use proper fit and the right style for your body to create illusions of a smaller/slimmer you. Use your clothes to detract from problem areas and modestly highlight your nice areas.

6. It’s all in the details – sometimes simply tucking in a shirt, adding a belt, statement necklace, or scarf can drastically change your look and take your outfit to a whole new level! Take an extra moment to be detailed.

8. Have confidence (not arrogance)– it’s an attractive quality!! A great outfit can make you feel confident and when you feel confident, you’re more apt to reach out to others. Life is about others. So yeah, a nice outfit can literally improve your relationships with others. Take care of yourself so that you can be a blessing to those around you.

9. Don’t forget to smile! It sounds so cliché’ but it’s SO true! Everything we do communicates to others and 80% is non verbal. A smile communicates A LOT! Let’s portray our joy of the Lord! True beauty does shine from within and that beauty comes from a right relationship with the Lord. When we’re right with Him, He can use us to minister to others and share His gospel with a lost and dying world. A good outfit helps our outside to mirror the inside.

10. Life too short to look frumpy! Let’s look our best and live for Christ!

7.19.2015

Today is my 26th birthday!! I can't believe in 4 years I'll be 30!! AHH! :) I thought for my birthday I would share some things I've learned in my 26 years of life. These truths I've learned from others, but I've tried to apply them to my life as best as I could. P.S. I'm sure many of you are much older and wiser than me, but we've all been through and learned different things!

1. Don't make God #1 in your life, make Him the center of your life.

2. The best way to get yourself out of a "backslidden funk" is to start sharing the Gospel more.

7.16.2015

Well my last post on Surviving the Summer as a SAHM was quite the Mommy War starter... I have never been in the middle of a Mommy War before. I've heard of them, but never seen one first hand. It's very intense and discouraging to watch "Godly women" tear each other down because they feel like they know what's best for other families. Let me tell you, I don't have it all figured out. But, I feel like as a Christian school teacher, I do get to have an insight in both "worlds," as a working mom and a Summer SAHM.

7.12.2015

I used to dream of being a stay-at-home Mom in college. I imagined how I would have everything so organized and perfect. Then real life happened. LOL. Most of you know, I am a full-time high school Math teacher. I have around 100 students and will teach 6 classes this school year. This summer has been my first summer not working a real job since I was 16 years old. The first couple of weeks staying at home, made me turn into a very miserable person. Seriously y'all. You don't understand how miserable I was not having a schedule, purpose, or plan for my days at home. I was making myself miserable, my husband miserable, and anyone else I could complain to! I joked around on a post in my first week of being a stay at home Mom that I was ready to go back to work...but deep down inside, I wasn't kidding. How is staying at home with ONE child vs. teaching 100 kids harder? I love my baby, but oh my word, sitting in the house chasing him around all day, dwelling on how much I hated staying at home was NOT going to work everyday for the rest of the summer. I was ready to pull my hair out!

Then one day as I was sitting on my laptop during nap time, and I saw an ad for a Makeover Your Mornings e-course. I was curious, so I clicked on it and read up on it..and I'm SOOOOOOO glad I did. I did the Makeover Your Mornings e-course and it TOTALLY changed my summer and my experience as a stay at home Mom. Now, I'm not only surviving, but I've learned to LOVE it!

The lady who teaches the class is a Christian SAHM and she helped me to get on a schedule, make goals, and motivated me to take care of myself spiritually and physically. Now that I've gotten my days planned out on a schedule, I feel SO much more happy and accomplished! I've started a new Bible study on women of the Bible, and I've gotten SO much out of my Bible study this summer. I'm SO beyond thankful I found this e-course that gave me back my sanity! :)

For all of you "natural" SAHMs that have the whole SAHM life down pact, LUCKY you! I was not a natural. I had to learn how to enjoy it! I HIGHLY recommend this course to anyone that is struggling with being a SAHM. It truly helped me A LOT!

PS. I'm not actually staying at my house, we're staying at my Mom's house during the week, which is an hour away from our home, because my husband is working a summer job there. So, that also doesn't help my situation..LOL. Fashion blogger + Living out of a suitcase for 6 weeks = NO BUENO.

7.06.2015

Today, we are featuring a beautiful, stylish wife and mommy of 4, Ashley. One thing I love about Ashley is that even though she's a SAHM of 4, she always looks great! She is a very faithful poster on MM and on her instagram account: @smartndavvymom. Go follow her! :) Ashley recently also started her own blog: Smart and Savvy Mom, go on over and check it out!

7.05.2015

I am super excited about sharing eShakti with you today! I LOVE their dresses and the best part is that they allow you to customize them for a great price! Today, I'm sharing my dress from eShakti with you! This dress originally comes in sleeveless, but I added cap sleeves for my personal likings!